The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-25
Yesterdays Competitive Drills.
H. A 4InI D..aa


To the Western Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, May 24-The intervals at
Camp Washington between breakfast, guard
mounting, aud the other features of the daily
routine, were availed of by many corps for
private drill. preparatory to their more public
appearance in the White Lot The competitive
drill of infantry began few minutes past 10
o'clock. The competing companies were limited
in numbers to twenty four men each, with three
officers and two guides. The programme Of
maneuvers was to be delivered to each, company
commander hour before the time allotted
for the corps appearance, and tho lEen wore
thereby to be kept in ignorance Of the maneu-
they were to execute until the orders were
actually given. In general terms, they
were to exerc Use, first, in the school of
manual of arms. and lastly in the school OF the
company. Thirty minutes were allotted to each
company to complete its programme. 1t had
fallen to the lot of Company A, Captain j. Il.
Amory, First Minnesota Regiment. Minneapolis
Light Infantry. to first make display of its
soldiery abilities. 1t appeared promptly and is
seid to have performed it's work creditably,
though it lacked about four movements of COM
pletine its programme when its time was up and
its successor appeared. CAPTAIN Amory became
aware of the fact, as the drill was in progress,
that his corps. through fault of his, had been
put to work at too great distance from the pub
lie stand, and. as the maneuvers were progress
ing. essayed to work his way across the field.
The ialls re to complete the entire programme IS
due, in part. as least, to this fact
The eighth separate company of New York,
Seley Citizens Corps, of Rochester. was next to
appear and succeeded, toward the end of its
performance in getting within convenient eye
shot of the spectators. It's fine appearance and
excellent practice. especially in company firing,
were matters of general comment.
The third of the competing companies. the
Muscatine fIa.) Rifles, Captain Carlock, was
marched at once to a central position. The SOL
dierly appearance of the men, their SNOWY but
tasteful uniforms. and the remarkable accuracy
of their performance throughout, won them
round after round of applause. The company
completed its programme with some time to
spare-a fact of which its members justly
proud
The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Guards. which had
drawn the fourth place in the list. failed make
its appearance being compelled to withdraw by
the illness of two of its members
Company A First Battalion of Virginia troops
tcoloredl and the State Guard of Virginia (col-
oredl, appeared in turn, and showed in their
performances the results of careful drilling and
panstaking efforts on the part of the men,
The Vicksburg Southrons were escorted to the
ground by their band, and were greeted in ad-
vance by the welcoming cheers of their friends
on the stand. Their marching and general ap-
pearance were very fine.
Company A. of the First Virginia Regiment,
was the last of to-days infantry competitors. 1t
evinced some nervousness at the beginning. but
made amends thereafter, and won hearty APP
plause
The interest in the days proceedings culmin-
ated in the performances of the Keck Zouaves, of
Johnstown N. Y. Their skirmish and bayonet
drills were marvels of precision, while their
unique evolutions in close order rivaled the
spectacular performances of the stage.
A furious thunder and wind-storm came&up
about o'clock and put end to the proceed
ings. The roof was blown off large part of the
vessels and lighthouse of the "Pyrorama7
were tipped over and scattered.